Let Laos Learn

I was lucky enough to come across LLL while I was travelling in Laos.

I was only there for a shorter period of time but it was the best travelling experience I've ever had. I since then changed my perspective about what travelling is about.

How I started:
As I mentioned previously, I was travelling around Laos and really like Lao people. However, I find it hard to get to know more about their culture because there is some language barrier. Afterall Laos is still not so touristic like Thailand yet. I find even finding local food is hard. I could only order food from the English menu which consisted mainly of Thai and Vietnamese food.

What I learned:
It all changed dramatically once I started volunteering with them. We have a lovely Lao couple Boun and Sai. Sai has been working for LLL for years and speaks great English. Boun cooks amazing local meals where she gets fresh ingredients from the local markets every day. Alongside with another lovely couple Karolien and Tibo from Belgium who dedicated themselves for Lao community. They gave me perspective about Lao people, culture and food. It was short but I immediately felt closer to Laos because of how friendly and welcoming everyone was.

What I did:
LLL had fundraised some money and I was lucky enough to be part of the construction of some toilets for a local elementary school from the beginning. It was not easy for those who just want to come and have fun. It's very hot and hard work. But we only needed to do half a day. And we all take turns to basically make sure it's not too much for the volunteers. We eventually developed an amazing relationship with the construction workers by trying to communicate with one another. It ended up like a true language exchange. We share food, jokes and laughter.

Compare to any volunteering jobs which I could find online. LLL is incredibly cheap, to be honest. It's only US115 per week including bedroom and meals.
You have a lot of free time to explore nature. Blue lagoons, waterfalls, hikes, river floating, motorbike trips, rock climbing, hot air balloon (cheapest in the world), and parties too.

I have a great time there because of the loveliest people in Laos. They are sweet, cute and kind. Highly recommend LLL!

I would like to thanks all volunteer from Fruit Friend and Let Laos Lern because it was one of the best experience of my life.
All project like school building and teaching were very interesting and rewarding.
I worked as a volunteer to renovate a center to help children to learn english.
I was at Vang Vieng which is a very beautiful city with amazing scenery.
I recommand everyone who wants to contribute to have a better world to come at Fruit Friend.

I've been volunteering here now for 4 months and what an amazing experience it has been so far. We live in a nice and comfortable international volunteer house where we are supported by a local team. The house is situated in a town next to Vang Vieng so during the weekend we can explore the stunning environment.

The organisation builds schools in remote areas and teaches English in schools near Vang Vieng. As a teacher you notice an immediate impact on the kids or the teenagers. The students are grateful and happy that you are helping them out. It think this programme offers great value as education provide the necessary tools to fight poverty.

In short I would say: immediate impact, transparent, supported by local people and a good guidance and coaching.

Amazing organization where you’ll have an amazing experience.
To work and live with the locals, to be involved with the local community, to teach English to the children.. it’s something special.
It’s not only what you give to them, but also what they give to you. They teach you as much as you teach them.
Thanks to LLL for the great care and being the best host. The house was amazing, the food was amazing. Nothing but positive words I have for this experience of 5 weeks, which will last forever!

I really liked volunteering here (4 weeks), it was an amazing experience. I was in the marketing and social media team, trying to improve the website and the presence of LLL on social media. People are so friendly, the home stay is really nice, the food tastes good! You can meet people for all over the world and Laos is a really interesting country, adventurous and relaxed at the same time, difficult to explain. Let Laos Learn has a great impact on the field, I'm proud to be part of it.